Events for January through March 2010

SAN DIEGO

Whale festival

When, where: Jan. 23, the Embarcadero

Highlights: Part of Big Bay Whale Days, a monthlong celebration of the gray whales’ annual migration, this festival offers free kids’ admission on Hornblower and San Diego Harbor Excursion whale-watching cruises, plus live entertainment and educational exhibits. Cost: Free

Info: (619) 725-8879, www.thebigbay.com/whales

CLOVERDALE, CALIF.

Old Time Fiddle Festival

When, where: Jan. 23 and 24, Citrus Fairgrounds

Highlights: Dozens of fast-fingered performers jam and compete during this 35th annual event in Sonoma County; competitors include children as young as 5. Vendors sell handmade crafts and down-home food.

Cost: $12.50 each day; $20 for both; proceeds benefit the Cloverdale Historical Society and Museum

Info:www.cloverdalehistoricalsociety.org/fiddle

SAN FRANCISCO

Russian Festival

When, where: Jan. 29-31, Russian Center of San Francisco

Highlights: This annual celebration of all things Russian includes performances by ballerinas, gymnasts, folk ensembles and singers; attendees can shop for Russian crafts and art, taste vodka and attend an after-dark dance party.

Cost: $10; $6 for students and seniors; free for those 12 and younger

Info: (415) 921-7631, www.russiancentersf.com

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

Restaurant month

When, where: Through Jan. 31, San Luis Obispo County

Highlights: For the third year, more than 30 restaurants offer highly discounted repasts in SLO County towns such as Cambria, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo.

Cost: $30 for a three-course prix fixe menu, not including tax

Info: (800) 634-1414, www.sanluisobispocounty.com/restaurantmonth

VANCOUVER, CANADA

Cultural Olympiad

When, where: Jan. 22-March 21, 60 venues throughout greater Vancouver

Highlights: More than 600 performances are scheduled for this multidisciplinary arts festival, which starts three weeks before the Olympic Games and ends on the final day of the Paralympics. There will be music, theater, comedy, dance, cultural exhibits, visual art, crafts and film. Also: a Neil Young tribute concert, the Time Flies Improvised Music Festival (Feb. 4-6), the Talking Stick Festival honoring Canada’s aboriginal art (Feb. 21-28), the Barenaked Ladies, Feist, Steve Earle and Martha Wainwright.

Cost: Varies per event; some are free

Info: (800) 842-5387,www.vancouver2010.com/cultural-festivals-and-events

-- Avital Binshtock itinerary@latimes.com